1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN1 Roadster

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In 1953, Austin-Healey made waves in the sports car world when two of their factory-specification cars clinched 2nd and 3rd place in class at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, even surpassing many purpose-built competitors to secure 12th and 14th place overall. The impressive performance of these cars sparked a surge in demand from customers eager to enhance their own vehicles to match the Le Mans entrants. Responding to this demand, the company introduced factory-approved parts that could be installed on any production car, allowing enthusiasts to elevate their car's performance to the level of the Le Mans racers. These upgrades, popularly known as the “Le Mans Engine Modification Kit,” were later offered for BN2 cars, either as factory-fitted options or through selling dealers. By transforming the standard offerings into formidable machines, these modifications enabled owners to enjoy the exhilarating experience of driving a "race car for the road." Today, these vehicles have attained iconic status and remain highly coveted among collectors and enthusiasts alike. 

Highlights 

• Acquired by the current owner in the late 1970s 

• Previously completed research by Austin-Healey historian Kent Lacy shows that this car was used during the 1954 New York International Motor Sports Show, and was the first to have the U.S. mandated rear reflectors 

• Powered by a 2660 cc inline-four cylinder with twin SU carburetors 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in two-tone black and silver with a red accent line 

• Interior upholstered in red leather with a matching red folding soft top 

• Accompanied by a rarely seen and highly desirable removable hard top 

• The was recently brought back to running and driving condition, having remained in prolonged climate-controlled storage by a long-time engineer, enthusiast, mechanic, and collector specializing in British, antique, and special interest cars  

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 64,500 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Fold down windshield 

• Painted wire wheels  

• Fog lights 

• Heater 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Twin bucket seats 

• Chrome side view mirror 

• Electric wipers 

• Leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel 

• Smiths instrumentation 

• Independent front suspension 

• Bumper over riders 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor fluid leaks  

• Minor paint imperfections 

• Additional work is likely needed to make these vehicles roadworthy 

Included 

• Owner’s handbook with signed ownership history 

• Tool set 

• Jack 

• Spare wheel 

• Tonneau cover 

• Receipts 

• Spare parts 

Ownership History 

This 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN1 Roadster is offered from the collection of Robert W. “Kermit” Wilson, a remarkable group of motorcars associated with Bob Wilson, race car driver, columnist for numerous automotive magazines, and lifelong collector of British cars. It was relayed that Bob purchased this car from the original owner, a Georgia physician in the late 1970s with history written inside the owner’s handbook along with a hospital parking card.